Wellington tramper Michael Gillard Taylor (60) died in a fall on December 31 while climbing Mt Twilight (2179m) in the Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka police confirmed yesterday.
Wanaka police search and rescue co-ordinator Senior Constable Mike Johnston said Mr Taylor was with other members of the Tararua Tramping Club, on their annual Christmas tramping trip in the Wilkin Valley.
Mr Taylor had set off on December 31 for a day's solo climb of Mt Twilight and failed to return to the Top Forks hut that evening.
Members of the group raised the alarm by mountain radio and Wanaka police were informed of the situation at 11am on January 1, Snr Const Johnston said.
A search by helicopter began and Mr Taylor's body was found in a steep rocky section on the northern aspect of Mt Twilight, at 3.30pm on January 1.
LandSar Wanaka volunteer Phil Melchior was in the search party and said yesterday Mr Taylor appeared to have fallen a "substantial distance".
"It was hard to judge exactly but looked as if it was a 100m fall," he said.
Mr Melchior understood Mr Taylor was an experienced outdoorsman who had been up Mt Twilight before.
"It is, in many ways, a big hill, a tramper's peak in summer. It is a little under 2200m and at this time of the year, it is clear of snow.
"There is a main west ridge right up it and it is a relatively straightforward, steadily rising route ... He had done this main route and was looking for a different way up," Mr Melchior said.
The other members in the search party were Aspiring Helicopters pilot Nigel Gee, Sergeant Aaron Nicholson and LandSar Wanaka volunteers Brent Arthur, of Lake Hawea, and Chris Wilson, of Makarora.
Mr Taylor's death has been referred to the coroner.
His next of kin live overseas and police are continuing their attempts to contact them.
